Vehicle Heat Exchanger Frame With Opposed Mounting and Air Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal systems for motor vehicles face challenges in efficiently mounting and sealing heat exchangers, leading to air leaks and reduced thermal performance due to the stacking of heat exchangers on the same side of the frame, which complicates the integration of sealing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A thermal system utilizing a one-piece frame with fastening means on both faces for mounting heat exchangers in opposite directions, allowing for controlled spacing and snap-fitting, along with integrated sealing walls to prevent air leaks by forming baffles between the exchangers and the frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If heat exchangers are stacked on the same side of the frame for mounting, then the assembly structure is simplified, but air leaks occur between the exchangers and the frame reducing thermal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from stacking heat exchangers on the same side (single-sided mounting) to mounting them on opposite sides of the frame (double-sided mounting). This dimensional change eliminates the air leakage pathway between exchangers and the frame while maintaining assembly simplicity, as each exchanger is independently mounted on its respective side with sealing means bearing against the frame's side walls.
2Reliability
If sealing gaskets are placed around the periphery of heat exchangers to prevent air leaks, then air leakage is reduced, but the complexity of assembly and manufacturing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing function with the existing frame structure by having sealing means bear against the side walls of the frame. This integration eliminates the need for separate complex sealing mechanisms between stacked exchangers, as the frame itself provides the sealing surface when exchangers are mounted on opposite sides.
3Volume of moving object
If multiple heat exchangers are mounted on the same side of the frame, then space utilization is improved, but the positioning precision and control of final position relative to each other becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mounting multiple exchangers in the same direction on one side, the patent inverts the approach by mounting exchangers on opposite sides of the frame. This reversal simplifies positioning control, as each exchanger's position is independently defined relative to the frame's opposite faces, eliminating cumulative positioning errors.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject of the present invention is a thermal system (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a one-piece frame (2) comprising a front face (20) and a rear face (22), wherein the frame comprises, on each of its two faces (20, 22), fastening means (29, 30) for at least one heat exchanger (8, 10), said fastening means being such that first fastening means (29) positioned on a front face (20) of the frame are configured for fastening a heat exchanger (8) in a first direction of insertion (Ia) and that second fastening means (30) positioned on a rear face (22) of the frame are configured for fastening a heat exchanger (10) in a second direction of insertion (Ib) opposed to the first direction of insertion.